Tag Archives: MN North: Duluth Harbor

Failed Birding Expeditions

Year 2,

The non birder may wonder, why do we do it? What could possibly make a sane human being arise before sunrise, and go out after sunset in search of a bird?! This question might seem harder to answer in light of how many times a birding expedition ends in failure. In short, why do we do it?

There are many possible answers, but in my case the response is simple … seeing the beauty in the world around me. Finding my sought after bird is only a bonus. For instance, today …

  1. Before sunrise I left my home in search of a red-throated loon. These birds migrate through our area having left their northern sub-Arctic home. I walked over four miles out Park Point to the Superior Entry of the Twin Ports Harbor
  2. After sunset I drove down to Duluth’s port terminal. My goal was to spot a snowy owl.

In each instance, I had information that indicated my target birds had been recently seen in my birding areas. However, I was a failed birder. Neither bird made an appearance for me. Before you think the outings were a failure, see my photos for today’s post. Beauty was all around me, just not my desired specific birds

A Superior Sunrise (ocean going freighter anchored out in Lake Superior)
Superior-Morning-Saltie

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A Superior Night (ocean going freighter unloading at the Port Terminal)
Superior-Night-Saltie

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A Snow Bunting (a different Arctic bird posed for me this morning)
Y2-M11-Snow-Bunting

Birding Duluth’s Industrial Past

Year 2

Let the fall migration begin! While one might not expect to find beautiful birding areas in the old industrial heartland of West Duluth, this is in fact exactly what one will find … gorgeous areas where one may spend hours without being disturbed by another human.

This morning I found two flocks of Least Sandpipers out at the end of the abandoned pier off Waseca Industrial Blvd Rd. In addition there were lots of warblers, cedar waxwings, and hummingbirds present. Better yet, the hike out to the end of the pier is a wildflower lover’s dream. Just park in the “ugly” abandoned pier; walk across a mucky connector path, and then you will hike amongst grass and wildflowers often over six feet tall! Take a look at the “map” for more directions, but follow the old tire ruts. It will lead you ultimately up into a grove of trees and to the end of the pier. Don’t miss checking out the opening in the grove of trees at the end of the pier … lots of wildflowers, milkweed,  and berry producing trees. The birds love this spot.

Least Sandpipers … first fall migrants … off to Central and South American
Y2-M08-Least-Sandpipers-Trio-b Y2-M08-Least-Sandpipers-Duo-3

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Directions to the Abandoned Pier
Duluth-Old-Pier

Just Another Morning on Minnesota Point!

Year 2

Minnesota Point, also known as Park Point, is an excellent place to hike and enjoy the morning sun. Shortly after dawn I hiked out to the Superior entry through thick pine forests, and along beach dunes looking out over Lake Superior. For folks who like birding, Minnesota Point can be an excellent spot as birds work their way along the “longest freshwater sand bar” in the world. This morning I found huge flocks of blue jays working their way along the point during their northward migration. Yellow-shafted flickers were also making their presence known as their call echoed through the woods. It was a great morning.

Yellow-Shafted Flicker Singing to the Sun!
Y2-M05-22-Yellow-Shafted-Flicker-2

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An Early Morning Row on the Harbor
Y2-M05-22-Morning-Harbor-Row-2